When it comes to Christmas Eve plans, there's no need to ask generations of Mesilleros what they'll be doing. They'll be spending Dec. 24 on the Mesilla Plaza, enjoying the dramatic displays of lights and luminarias, and caroling and visiting with families and friends.

It's a tradition now shared with thousands of enchanted visitors from all over the world.

Many say the tradition started, or at least gained popularity, in the last century, with hot drinks and open hospitality for strangers and amigos alike, all offered by Josefina Gamboa Biel, at her now-famous gate in front of her adobe home just off the Mesilla Plaza.

She died in 2001, but today the tradition is carried on by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Bob Foreman, who have transformed her home into a cozy adobe namesake restaurant, Josefina's Gate. They also run an inn next door.
"We usually have luminarias and serve free apple cider and cookies by the gate from the time the sun goes down until 9 or 9:30 or so," said Kathleen Foreman, who has warm memories of her mom's now-legendary hospitality that date back to her early childhood.

"It really is nice if you have family or visitors in town. The Mesilla Singers lead Christmas carols and Andele's donates hot chocolate. And (Mesilla) Fire Chief Kevin Hoban leads a tribute to servicemen and women. He does something a little different every year, and it's very moving," said Ashley Echavarria, Mesilla's special events coordinator.
She offers some tips about safety and parking regulations.

"We will be shutting the streets around the plaza at about 3:30 p.

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m. on Christmas Eve, so there will be no traffic and no parking. Your best bets for parking will be in the public lot on Calle de Medanos or the town hall parking lot on Avenida de Mesilla," Echavarria said.